. >>> president obama took a break from debate preparation today in nevada to visit the set of the racial maddow tv commercial. a new national nbc news poll tonight shows that 52% of registered voters view the president positively, 42% view him negatively. 41% view mitt romney positively, 44% view romney negatively. mitt romney's favorability rating is lower than every other presidential nominee's rating at this point in the election in the history of this poll, except for george h.w. bush's 34/52 rating. and he lost that election. tonight, ann romney seems sure that the country will soon realize how lucky we are that mitt romney is running for president. >> i know he's very well prepared. he's focused, he's very bright. i think the country will be blessed by having someone with his skill set, his experience and his -- just his goodness. to be able to run this country. this guy does care that he's out there. and he's a person with compassion. >> first lady michelle obama did not attempt to lower expectationings for her husband today. >> he doesn't need much advice. he's a very good debate